NB - The MPI consultation process attracted more than 16,000 submissions of which 15,986 requested the removal of the clause permitting the planting of GE trees (NES-PF, 6.4). Of the 15,662 short form submissions, and 356 comprehensive petitions, only 22 supported retaining the clause on GE trees if release was approved by the EPA.

The aim of the NES-PF is to maintain or improve the environmental outcomes associated with managing plantation forestry activities and to provide efficiencies and greater certainty in the management of these activities under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).